Paris conclude 'November Madness' with a win

Match reports

Four days after their EHF Champions League victory against Gudme Oure Gudbjerg Handball (GOG), Paris Saint-Germain Handball returned to the Stade Pierre de Coubertin (for their sixth and final home game of November) for Liqui Moly StarLigue Round 11. The Parisians were facing Saint-Raphaël, who were 11th in the standings before the match. It was also the occasion for a reunion with former Parisian goalkeeper Vincent Gérard, as Ferran Solé Sala reminded us before the match.

The visitors managed to push the Parisians around during the first half (4': 2-4). Despite the help of Andreas Palicka, who made several fine saves, Les Rouge et Bleu struggled to get back on level terms (10': 6-9). The duo of Dainis Kristopans and Kamil Syprzak (seven goals between them in this first quarter) allowed Paris to stay in contact with their opponents in the early stages (16': 11-13).

After a little more than twenty minutes of play, Nikola Karabatic took charge of Paris Saint-Germain Handball's play and they began to inch closer to Saint-Raphaël (21': 13-14). The Parisians had two consecutive goals from Niko to thank for getting them back on par with there visitors (26': 17-17). The French international then helped his team go one better and at the break, our team had their noses in front!

In the second half, Raul Gonzalez's players relied on Dainis' goals and Jannick Green's saves to keep their lead (35': 22-20). With Niko still as decisive as ever, Paris led the dance and increased their domination (41': 24-21). Inspired, Kamil pushed Les Rouge et Bleu forward while Jannick continued his great performance in the Parisian goal. This efficient mix saw the Parisians duly extend their lead (47': 29-23). 

In the last quarter of an hour, the capital club's collective play seemed to have taken the upper hand on Saint-Raphaël. Another goal from Dainis confirmed this trend (54': 33-27) and then the young Gautier Loredon closed the show by scoring his side's last goal of the match. At the end of a controlled second half, Paris Saint-Germain Handball won 38-30 against Saint Raphaël. It was an eight win in a row for the Parisians, who now sit atop the Liqui Moly StarLigue standings!

(Credits: L. Valroff/Team Pics/PSG)